On behalf of the Pendleton Cultural Foundation, we invite you to consider chaperoning the students on the cultural exchange to Minamisoma, Japan in 2017. The chaperone is the responsible adult traveling with six high school students to Japan for two weeks in July. The chaperone and students fundraise to pay for the airfare to Japan. Once the group is in Japan, the bulk of the expenses, including meals and housing, are provided by our counterparts in Japan. The cultural exchange is an amazing experience to tour Japan and live with a Japanese family.

Volunteers in Pendleton work alongside city staff and play a vital role in enhancing, expanding and delivering quality programs and services to the community. During 2014, 128 volunteers in Pendleton performed 5,522 hours of service. During the April 7, 2015 City Council meeting, outstanding volunteers were recognized for their achievements.

City of Pendleton volunteer news in now included in the monthly city newsletter to update volunteers and citizens about the recent events and activities that are taking place within the City of Pendleton departments with the help of volunteers. If you would like to receive the newsletter automatically by email, please send a request to:

It is easy to start volunteering -- just fill out the application and criminal background check form. The forms can also be found in the Pendleton Public Library, and in the Administration Office at City Hall. Turn in completed forms to the Administration Office or by mail. After your background check has cleared, you will be contacted regarding orientation dates.